PAUL & MAGGIE MURDAUGH: South Carolina vs. Alex Murdaugh for Double Homicide of wife & son *GUILTY*

This case is being kept pretty quiet, no major details released to speak of (other than it does say there were two different guns used), but no info regarding who found them, who called 911, very little else.

Of interest, the grandfather died just a few days after these murders and it sounds as if he was ill from various articles so probably not unexpected. I think of the typical motives, did grandpa have a big estate? How big in the overall family of grandpa's on down? They sound like a pretty well known family and a powerful one in their state, more on that in the article.

Questions abound in SC Murdaugh killing. Among them: Should prosecutor step aside?

Several days after two members of a prominent Hampton County family were fatally shot, questions about what happened still vastly outnumber answers.

www.postandcourier.com

 

[Tresir]

I don't think it was a plea deal as he had already pled guilty last year so I think it was just a matter of deciding how many years he would serve and whether it would be concurrent with the state charges or not.

I wonder if this means he can appeal the sentence as he did not do a deal, as such?

 

[GrandmaBear]

I don't think it was a plea deal as he had already pled guilty last year so I think it was just a matter of deciding how many years he would serve and whether it would be concurrent with the state charges or not.

I wonder if this means he can appeal the sentence as he did not do a deal, as such?

I think this is a deal. There's terms like passing a polygraph, consecutive sentences, etc. What else would it be?

It's a fact a judge does not have to accept a plea deal but that is besides the point. One is made between the parties that is going to be shown to the court, both sides were okay with agreeing to such and so usually a judge should have no reason to disagree as it was mediated, agreed to, etc. so long as the judge doesn't see something grossly wrong with it, they generally do.

Maybe I should drop the "plea" part but this was a deal. So was his failure on the polygraph ignored by the judge or he went ahead and sentenced, it sounds like to a bit longer (but does it matter If concurrent, it SHOULD, the longer should be the sentence imo) and the lack of his abiding by the deal is going to be argued afterwards and he was just getting him sentenced.

There is sh*t here missing is what I'm saying and a real lack of explanation.

 

[Tresir]

I think this is a deal. There's terms like passing a polygraph, consecutive sentences, etc. What else would it be?

It's a fact a judge does not have to accept a plea deal but that is besides the point. One is made between the parties that is going to be shown to the court, both sides were okay with agreeing to such and so usually a judge should have no reason to disagree as it was mediated, agreed to, etc. so long as the judge doesn't see something grossly wrong with it, they generally do.

Maybe I should drop the "plea" part but this was a deal. So was his failure on the polygraph ignored by the judge or he went ahead and sentenced, it sounds like to a bit longer (but does it matter If concurrent, it SHOULD, the longer should be the sentence imo) and the lack of his abiding by the deal is going to be argued afterwards and he was just getting him sentenced.

There is sh*t here missing is what I'm saying and a real lack of explanation.

He didnt get the deal because he failed the poly. He had already pled guilty. So judge just sentenced him to 40 to run concurrent with the state sentence, as you say so he has to serve the extra 13 years. He will likely appeal the 40 years in the future I guess, if, for example, he wins the murder conviction appeal.

 

[GrandmaBear]

He didnt get the deal because he failed the poly. He had already pled guilty. So judge just sentenced him to 40 to run concurrent with the state sentence, as you say so he has to serve the extra 13 years. He will likely appeal the 40 years in the future I guess, if, for example, he wins the murder conviction appeal.

Hmm. Nothing I read in the links made any of that clear. And personally why not go consecutive, there's no deal then and this man pled guilty to so many charges that if anyone deserves consecutive for his sheer number of crimes, it is Murduagh, but okay it is what it is and so more is added I guess at least. A mere 13 years for all those crimes.

And that brings up another question, the guilty plea is due to the deal no? In an odd way, if the deal is broken or failed, one would think it all is and the guilty plea would be off the table but maybe not depending on how it is written. I guess he shouldn't benefit from not keeping up his part of the bargain so perhaps not.

 

[Tresir]

I get the impression the two SLED investigations into the clerk are separate and still ongoing. An ongoing GJ was mentioned regarding attorneys but there is also a GJ regarding the wire tapping. So two GJ's and two SLED investigations altogether. I may have got the wrong end of the stick though.

I have just had a thought. I wonder if the wiretapping was on calls to Murdaugh"s lawyers to gain insight/background for Hill's book? Why else would he be listening in to calls?

 

[Tresir]

I think this is a deal. There's terms like passing a polygraph, consecutive sentences, etc. What else would it be?

It's a fact a judge does not have to accept a plea deal but that is besides the point. One is made between the parties that is going to be shown to the court, both sides were okay with agreeing to such and so usually a judge should have no reason to disagree as it was mediated, agreed to, etc. so long as the judge doesn't see something grossly wrong with it, they generally do.

Maybe I should drop the "plea" part but this was a deal. So was his failure on the polygraph ignored by the judge or he went ahead and sentenced, it sounds like to a bit longer (but does it matter If concurrent, it SHOULD, the longer should be the sentence imo) and the lack of his abiding by the deal is going to be argued afterwards and he was just getting him sentenced.

There is sh*t here missing is what I'm saying and a real lack of explanation.

I think it was a sentence deal, if there is such a thing. We know he pled guilty last year. The sentence deal didn't fly because he failed the poly so the judge sentenced him without a deal. There was also restitution involved and they are still looking for $6m from somewhere. We need to find something that explains it all in detail.

 

[Tresir]

Here is another article with a bit more detail.

Federal judge sentences Alex Murdaugh to 40 years in prison for financial crimes

Former attorney Alex Murdaugh received a 40-year prison sentence in federal court for his financial crimes.

abcnews4.com

 

[GrandmaBear]

I have just had a thought. I wonder if the wiretapping was on calls to Murdaugh"s lawyers to gain insight/background for Hill's book? Why else would he be listening in to calls?

You are talking her son's wiretapping right? How could he wiretap the defense calls? Refresh me but he's doing this using and in the courthouse system isn't he? Why would Murdaugh lawyers be talking to anyone on the board, in a court office, etc. about details of their client or the case? I'm not following.

I think since he's Hill's son there's a good chance what he was doing was in cahoots with or to help her or even to help justice along (the wrong way) and bring down people they wanted brought down like Alex for one at least, if not more in the system. It is POSSIBLE he had his own reasons or the two were up to more than that. Blackmail? A bigger more scandalous book dreamed of in the future of the taking down of people around it all or in the system? This book may have been just the first of the thoughts in Becky's silly old blonde head of how big of an author and known she was going to become.

Who knows. Some of these cases are like wow as to how much corruption on all sides and the people in power in the area and more. It just never stops and the twists keep coming. Funny that Becky probably wanted good twists for her book/s(?) but the twists that come, many of them are ON HER. Or HER SON. Here's another possible thing and that's that with the Murdaugh power they really wanted to ensure Alex go down because he IS GUILTY but knew the fixes he could put in and were trying to ensure all went right (totally not okay) but the fact she had her stinking little fantasy book on top of it just makes it all look even worse than that. And even that would not be okay but I can believe there are people that can still be influenced because Alex could rat them out whether a county judge, or whoever. I'm giving Becky and son the best chance here on true intent and that's even doubtful. There ARE politics going on though and infighting and one trying to take another down versus another trying to.

Here's another thought. Were Becky and son the only ones aware of this or in on it? Assuming Becky knew what son was doing and was part of it that is or they were in cahoots so to speak. Was it just them trying to get dirt on certain people most likely or were others in this courthouse part of it as well. It is CRAZY how politics are over present at the local county level these days and they are all in daily close proximity to each other. And that's just politics without their own purposes. But this county and area has been corrupt it seems on a county and bigger level for decades if not a century.

Just like Alex, an attorney and whose family was thick long term area power, and had others involved, did Becky Hill and her son have others involved or even behind anything...In an attempt to make sure the old school Murdaugh type power is ousted.... Or for their own reasons?

It could be as simple though as just her fantasies and her son helping her obtain them. Seems a bit far fetched in some ways but just the fact she'd do this book thing during this trial or before start on such shows a certain level of belief in how she can sn*w people and pull such off and of sheer stupidity because of ego. Bad, bad choice, whether "legal" or not.

If you think on it, it's all pretty quiet from the number of people who work in this courthouse and naturally so. You can bet it is a little Peyton place there though in the halls, at the coffee pot, on lunch hour and buzzing after work between those who are friends. The Clerk's office staff were standing behind her on her resignation, seemingly in support, which means nothing and could have been agreed to even.

You don't see people like Creighton Waters saying a word or going near it but the DA's office deals with the Clerk and Clerk's office every single day in one way or another. I'm sure he doesn't want near it with a ten foot pole but I am just saying everyone in that little courthouse knows and they know who was trying to do what to who and why and what was really going on and if it is more than we know...

And with that I've gone too long and deeper than intended. I just don't let myself forget just HOW DIRTY and entrenched in dirt in power this area was and had been for a long, long time. Just the fact Alex and the known cronies (many unknown I'm sure) pulled off as much as what we did know and got away with it for so long says enough.

 

[GrandmaBear]

I think it was a sentence deal, if there is such a thing. We know he pled guilty last year. The sentence deal didn't fly because he failed the poly so the judge sentenced him without a deal. There was also restitution involved and they are still looking for $6m from somewhere. We need to find something that explains it all in detail.

Well I'm just saying with the deal broke, the judge could have sentenced him CONSECUTIVELY and had good argument for it with the sheer number of crimes, amount of money and the vulnerability of those he stole from and been totally justified. Yet he stayed with concurrent but added a few years. Of course Alex has the life sentences which they from the get go were trying hard to overturn and starting with jury tampering and more and will be appealing you can bet on it so while it seems guaranteed, one never knows. Look at what Scott Peterson is attempting and managing. So while it should never happen if the murder convictions ever get overturned or there is a new trial, the length of time on financials allows him out OR could if then battled next. Arguably he will be an old man or dead by then but they're going for doing it before that (defense).

I just don't like it when judges imo figure well he's got all these years by the state on the financials and he's got two life sentences so why sentence these appropriately for what they are? Why NOT? Add it ON and make it so many LEGITIMATELY sentenced year and concurrent that a man like this can never get out. I don't like the practice and here I wonder at it and why. With the deal failed, he had the perfect opportunity to look at it on how bad it was, how many crimes, how much taken, the number of people hurt and sentence accordingly.

Of course there is still the thing Alex probably only pled guilty or admitted guilt for the deal which is broken. So does his admission still stand? It's all as clear as mud. It would seem to me it would because he was admitting guilt to financial before any deal wasn't he? Even on the stand in the murder trials.

In these cases of so many charges, so many different types of crimes, and fed and state involved and more, it gets so hard to follow. It's like you talking of Epstein, etc. recently. The deal was a FL deal not a federal deal if I recall. That changes everything.

Both cases and so many others have so many crimes and so many years and so many charging agencies involved or investigating agencies and more than one court, etc. it gets downright headache inducing to follow. Even Daybell. Different states, multiple deaths, many players, different PDs and jurisdictions.

Imo Alex did not meet the terms of his deal and should have been charged not closer to the terms of the deal as the judge did other than adding a few years but more in line with the sheer number of his crimes, acts, the effect on who he defrauded and so on and far more accordingly as if no deal because the deal was BROKEN. Of course they are arguing that which some b.s. about Joran Vandersloot and other b.s. to just mud the waters more. BEing argued he failed the poly or wasn't honest I mean because now let's question the test and bring up b.s. that is entirely unrelated.

 

[Tresir]

You are talking her son's wiretapping right? How could he wiretap the defense calls? Refresh me but he's doing this using and in the courthouse system isn't he? Why would Murdaugh lawyers be talking to anyone on the board, in a court office, etc. about details of their client or the case? I'm not following.

I think since he's Hill's son there's a good chance what he was doing was in cahoots with or to help her or even to help justice along (the wrong way) and bring down people they wanted brought down like Alex for one at least, if not more in the system. It is POSSIBLE he had his own reasons or the two were up to more than that. Blackmail? A bigger more scandalous book dreamed of in the future of the taking down of people around it all or in the system? This book may have been just the first of the thoughts in Becky's silly old blonde head of how big of an author and known she was going to become.

Who knows. Some of these cases are like wow as to how much corruption on all sides and the people in power in the area and more. It just never stops and the twists keep coming. Funny that Becky probably wanted good twists for her book/s(?) but the twists that come, many of them are ON HER. Or HER SON. Here's another possible thing and that's that with the Murdaugh power they really wanted to ensure Alex go down because he IS GUILTY but knew the fixes he could put in and were trying to ensure all went right (totally not okay) but the fact she had her stinking little fantasy book on top of it just makes it all look even worse than that. And even that would not be okay but I can believe there are people that can still be influenced because Alex could rat them out whether a county judge, or whoever. I'm giving Becky and son the best chance here on true intent and that's even doubtful. There ARE politics going on though and infighting and one trying to take another down versus another trying to.

Here's another thought. Were Becky and son the only ones aware of this or in on it? Assuming Becky knew what son was doing and was part of it that is or they were in cahoots so to speak. Was it just them trying to get dirt on certain people most likely or were others in this courthouse part of it as well. It is CRAZY how politics are over present at the local county level these days and they are all in daily close proximity to each other. And that's just politics without their own purposes. But this county and area has been corrupt it seems on a county and bigger level for decades if not a century.

Just like Alex, an attorney and whose family was thick long term area power, and had others involved, did Becky Hill and her son have others involved or even behind anything...In an attempt to make sure the old school Murdaugh type power is ousted.... Or for their own reasons?

It could be as simple though as just her fantasies and her son helping her obtain them. Seems a bit far fetched in some ways but just the fact she'd do this book thing during this trial or before start on such shows a certain level of belief in how she can sn*w people and pull such off and of sheer stupidity because of ego. Bad, bad choice, whether "legal" or not.

If you think on it, it's all pretty quiet from the number of people who work in this courthouse and naturally so. You can bet it is a little Peyton place there though in the halls, at the coffee pot, on lunch hour and buzzing after work between those who are friends. The Clerk's office staff were standing behind her on her resignation, seemingly in support, which means nothing and could have been agreed to even.

You don't see people like Creighton Waters saying a word or going near it but the DA's office deals with the Clerk and Clerk's office every single day in one way or another. I'm sure he doesn't want near it with a ten foot pole but I am just saying everyone in that little courthouse knows and they know who was trying to do what to who and why and what was really going on and if it is more than we know...

And with that I've gone too long and deeper than intended. I just don't let myself forget just HOW DIRTY and entrenched in dirt in power this area was and had been for a long, long time. Just the fact Alex and the known cronies (many unknown I'm sure) pulled off as much as what we did know and got away with it for so long says enough.

This is a link about the GJ investigation on the wiretapping. It does say the clerk's phone was seized.

Corruption Investigation Headed to the Grand Jury

walterborolive.com

​

Corruption Investigation Headed to the Grand Jury​

Posted Thursday, December 14, 2023 5:00 am
By Scott Grooms sgrooms@lowcountry.com
South Carolina Fourteenth Circuit Solicitor Duffie Stone has requested the statewide grand jury to investigate the criminal case against former Colleton County information technology director Jeffery Hill.
In the letter to the attorney general, Stone cited an ongoing investigation by agents of the S.C. State Law Enforcement Division (SLED) and the chargers are under review by the 1st and 14th Circuits’ Public Integrity Unit Stone States, “This investigation from the use of the State Grand Jury as it is an investigative grand jury equipped to issue subpoenas and compel sworn testimony in order to discover public corruption.”
On November 21, 2023, Jeffrey Hill was arrested on one count of wiretapping, “willfully and feloniously intercept(ed) electronic phone communication.” Colleton County Clerk of Court, Rebecca Hill’s, cell phone was also seized by agents of the S.C. State Law Enforcement Division (SLED) in connection with the inquiry into her son.

Attorney General Alan Wilson responded to Stone’s request for a criminal investigation by letter on December 4, stating that the AG’s office has “decided to assume jurisdictions for all prosecutorial actions related to these cases.”
However, a spokesperson would not confirm the State Grand Jury’s involvement.
“By law, State Grand Jury matters are secret unless and until it hands down an indictment, so we cannot comment on what the State Grand Jury may or may not be doing,” said spokesman Robert Kittle.
For more information visit sccourts.org

 

[GrandmaBear]

This is a link about the GJ investigation on the wiretapping. It does say the clerk's phone was seized.

Corruption Investigation Headed to the Grand Jury

walterborolive.com

​

Corruption Investigation Headed to the Grand Jury​

Posted Thursday, December 14, 2023 5:00 am
By Scott Grooms sgrooms@lowcountry.com
South Carolina Fourteenth Circuit Solicitor Duffie Stone has requested the statewide grand jury to investigate the criminal case against former Colleton County information technology director Jeffery Hill.
In the letter to the attorney general, Stone cited an ongoing investigation by agents of the S.C. State Law Enforcement Division (SLED) and the chargers are under review by the 1st and 14th Circuits’ Public Integrity Unit Stone States, “This investigation from the use of the State Grand Jury as it is an investigative grand jury equipped to issue subpoenas and compel sworn testimony in order to discover public corruption.”
On November 21, 2023, Jeffrey Hill was arrested on one count of wiretapping, “willfully and feloniously intercept(ed) electronic phone communication.” Colleton County Clerk of Court, Rebecca Hill’s, cell phone was also seized by agents of the S.C. State Law Enforcement Division (SLED) in connection with the inquiry into her son.

Attorney General Alan Wilson responded to Stone’s request for a criminal investigation by letter on December 4, stating that the AG’s office has “decided to assume jurisdictions for all prosecutorial actions related to these cases.”
However, a spokesperson would not confirm the State Grand Jury’s involvement.
“By law, State Grand Jury matters are secret unless and until it hands down an indictment, so we cannot comment on what the State Grand Jury may or may not be doing,” said spokesman Robert Kittle.
For more information visit sccourts.org

I know her phone was seized. You know it is so hard to know here whether this is a witch hunt or it could be deserved BECAUSE of her BOOK and all the questionable things that there certainly are here even right down to her plagiarism, it shows a lack of morals, integrity, etc. However, so does everyone related to Alex M on the other side of things times ten. Who is not in question as far as I know is Newman, he prosecutor, etc. although Poot would probably love to try that... But knows better.

There is so much b.s. down here and so much corruption who even knows any longer.

And I agree why are we seeing LE and others talking about GJs convening and so on. That was said in LISK too. It used to be you didn't even HEAR something was being put to a GJ or being waited on from one. They are protected far beyond a normal jury who is also protected. They are secretive by their very nature.

I mentioned recently in some other thread I don't come from an area GJs are ever used and have looked into the process but it seems states that use them differ as to when, why, and a lot more.

The end of your quote says by law they are secret so it can't be said what they are or are not doing and that also means even confirming there is one going on from what I've always understood. So who is getting this info out there....

So Hill was arrested on ONE charge of wiretapping thus far per this as well...

I'm no fan of Hill but I'm also not sold as to what's going on here or the real reasons. If one thinks about it, she's a very little cog or person overall. Yes a Clerk can affect a lot and so on but when you compare it to what was going on in this system with Murdaughs, lawyers, bankers, judges, etc., Becky Hill is a very little cog in a big machine and so is her book. Whether she and son were stupid on their own or are part of something bigger on another side as a little cog, I am starting to wonder.

I just don't know. I think there's more going on here than meets the eye by a long shot. She could be just a selfish little matronly gracious clerk beguiled by fame and importance but is she...

 

[Tresir]

I have been looking for more info on this wiretapping and this link appears to indicate that there was other stuff going on. I cannot really take it all in and am gobsmacked if this article is correct. It seems to confirm that the wiretapping is linked to the ethics complaint re the clerk and that all calls of J.Hill's supervisor, both public and private, plus all emails were being monitored.


Colleton wiretapping scandal & court clerk ethics complaint are linked

 

[Tresir]

And there seems to be mention of sexual harassment. The person Hill was wiretapping and harassing is the head of Admin and the daughter of a judge.

I'll find the link that discusses that too.

 

[Tresir]

Colleton County Saga: Clerk Of Court's Son Accused Of Stalking, Sexual Harassment - FITSNews

More allegations against Jeffrey Hill ...

www.fitsnews.com

Last month’s arrest of Jeffrey “Colt” Hill – the son of Colleton County, South Carolina clerk of court Becky Hill – opened the floodgates of a still-unfolding rural corruption saga, one which could conceivably impact the two guilty verdicts returned earlier this year against convicted killer Alex Murdaugh.

Murdaugh’s odds for getting a new trial have never been higher … and we have yet to even fully process the fallout from this ongoing circus.

Here is what we know: Jeffrey Hill is currently facing one wiretapping count, but further charges are likely – including possible obstruction of justice charges against both him and his mother. Meanwhile, Becky Hill is staring down two ethics complaints – each of which are likely to result in criminal referrals, according to our sources. And those complaints are obviously in addition to allegations that she tampered with the jury that convicted Murdaugh of murdering his wife and younger son at the family’s hunting property near Islandton, S.C.

Last week, S.C. fourteenth circuit solicitor Duffie Stone referred the case(s) involving the Hills to attorney general Alan Wilson – asking the state’s top prosecutor to impanel a statewide grand jury to investigate “corruption in Colleton County.”

Support FITSNews … SUBSCRIBE!

***​

Wilson has yet to say whether he will impanel a grand jury – or who might handle the Colleton cases in the event he does (or doesn’t) . So far, all Wilson has done is “assume jurisdiction” in the matter – reserving for himself the right to handle the case personally or assign it to another solicitor.

Our media outlet has encouraged Wilson to make a decision that is “consistent with the ideals of independence and impartiality.”

While we await Wilson’s decision, further questions are being raised about Jeffrey Hill – specifically as it relates to Colleton County’s decision to allow him to return to his job as information technology director even after he bugged the phone of Meagan Utsey, his direct superior and the deputy county administrator for Colleton County.

Utsey is the wife of S.C. probate court judge Arthur Cecil Utsey IV.

Hill was suspended with pay on July 27, 2023 for “wiretapping the phone calls of your supervisor,” according to a letter sent to him on August 10, 2023. That suspension lasted four days. He was further suspended without pay for two additional weeks – and allowed to return to work after that on a “probationary status.” The name of the official who sent this suspension letter was redacted, however law enforcement sources familiar with the status of the ongoing investigation have confirmed it was written by Meagan Utsey.

(Click to view)

Colleton County deputy administrator Meagan Utsey. (Provided)
Utsey’s letter further accused Jeffrey Hill of “immoral, unlawful or improper conduct or indecency,” among other things – but did not elaborate on the alleged immoral conduct.

“Your actions reflect poorly on yourself and this agency,” Utsey noted.

On November 22 – the day after our Andy Fancher exclusively reported on Hill’s arrest – he was finally fired by the county. This time, the letter was written by Colleton County administrator Kevin Griffin, who expressly referenced “sexual and other forms of illegal harassment” in notifying Hill of his termination. According to Griffin, this alleged harassment was uncovered during Hill’s “probationary” period.

Griffin also referenced Hill’s wiretapping of Utsey, accusing him of “gross misconduct” as an employee of Colleton County.

According to our investigative sources, Utsey was the target ofJeffrey Hill’s harassing behavior – including multiple alleged instances of “sexual harassment” spanning several months. However, these sources said Utsey never used the term “sexual harassment” in describing Hill’s alleged conduct – but rather said he had been engaging in “stalking behavior.”

Utsey did not immediately respond to messages seeking comment.

A copy of Hill’s personnel file was obtained by this media outlet under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). It is not immediately clear why Utsey was asked to write the first letter notifying Hill of his suspension – or why Griffin wrote the termination letter following his eventual arrest.

Count on this media outlet to keep our audience up to speed on the latest developments in this ongoing investigation.

UPDATE |​

Approximately fifteen minutes after we published this report, Thad Moore of The (Charleston, S.C.) Post and Courier published a story on these same developments. Here is his report.

 

[Tresir]

I don't really know what to say about all this.

 

[GrandmaBear]

And there seems to be mention of sexual harassment. The person Hill was wiretapping and harassing is the head of Admin and the daughter of a judge.

I'll find the link that discusses that too.

You are talking the male Hill son harassing the daughter of a judge right? I have yet to read the link and guess I need to go do that. Married Mrs. Beckyk wasn't was she? If so, I'd be more than gobmacked for Mrs. Southern Accommodating Old School Charm...

 

[GrandmaBear]

Colleton County Saga: Clerk Of Court's Son Accused Of Stalking, Sexual Harassment - FITSNews

More allegations against Jeffrey Hill ...

www.fitsnews.com

Last month’s arrest of Jeffrey “Colt” Hill – the son of Colleton County, South Carolina clerk of court Becky Hill – opened the floodgates of a still-unfolding rural corruption saga, one which could conceivably impact the two guilty verdicts returned earlier this year against convicted killer Alex Murdaugh.

Murdaugh’s odds for getting a new trial have never been higher … and we have yet to even fully process the fallout from this ongoing circus.

Here is what we know: Jeffrey Hill is currently facing one wiretapping count, but further charges are likely – including possible obstruction of justice charges against both him and his mother. Meanwhile, Becky Hill is staring down two ethics complaints – each of which are likely to result in criminal referrals, according to our sources. And those complaints are obviously in addition to allegations that she tampered with the jury that convicted Murdaugh of murdering his wife and younger son at the family’s hunting property near Islandton, S.C.

Last week, S.C. fourteenth circuit solicitor Duffie Stone referred the case(s) involving the Hills to attorney general Alan Wilson – asking the state’s top prosecutor to impanel a statewide grand jury to investigate “corruption in Colleton County.”

Support FITSNews … SUBSCRIBE!

***​

Wilson has yet to say whether he will impanel a grand jury – or who might handle the Colleton cases in the event he does (or doesn’t) . So far, all Wilson has done is “assume jurisdiction” in the matter – reserving for himself the right to handle the case personally or assign it to another solicitor.

Our media outlet has encouraged Wilson to make a decision that is “consistent with the ideals of independence and impartiality.”

While we await Wilson’s decision, further questions are being raised about Jeffrey Hill – specifically as it relates to Colleton County’s decision to allow him to return to his job as information technology director even after he bugged the phone of Meagan Utsey, his direct superior and the deputy county administrator for Colleton County.

Utsey is the wife of S.C. probate court judge Arthur Cecil Utsey IV.

Hill was suspended with pay on July 27, 2023 for “wiretapping the phone calls of your supervisor,” according to a letter sent to him on August 10, 2023. That suspension lasted four days. He was further suspended without pay for two additional weeks – and allowed to return to work after that on a “probationary status.” The name of the official who sent this suspension letter was redacted, however law enforcement sources familiar with the status of the ongoing investigation have confirmed it was written by Meagan Utsey.

(Click to view)

Colleton County deputy administrator Meagan Utsey. (Provided)
Utsey’s letter further accused Jeffrey Hill of “immoral, unlawful or improper conduct or indecency,” among other things – but did not elaborate on the alleged immoral conduct.

“Your actions reflect poorly on yourself and this agency,” Utsey noted.

On November 22 – the day after our Andy Fancher exclusively reported on Hill’s arrest – he was finally fired by the county. This time, the letter was written by Colleton County administrator Kevin Griffin, who expressly referenced “sexual and other forms of illegal harassment” in notifying Hill of his termination. According to Griffin, this alleged harassment was uncovered during Hill’s “probationary” period.

Griffin also referenced Hill’s wiretapping of Utsey, accusing him of “gross misconduct” as an employee of Colleton County.

According to our investigative sources, Utsey was the target ofJeffrey Hill’s harassing behavior – including multiple alleged instances of “sexual harassment” spanning several months. However, these sources said Utsey never used the term “sexual harassment” in describing Hill’s alleged conduct – but rather said he had been engaging in “stalking behavior.”

Utsey did not immediately respond to messages seeking comment.

A copy of Hill’s personnel file was obtained by this media outlet under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). It is not immediately clear why Utsey was asked to write the first letter notifying Hill of his suspension – or why Griffin wrote the termination letter following his eventual arrest.

Count on this media outlet to keep our audience up to speed on the latest developments in this ongoing investigation.

UPDATE |​

Approximately fifteen minutes after we published this report, Thad Moore of The (Charleston, S.C.) Post and Courier published a story on these same developments. Here is his report.

OMG. Who to believe is up there or in the wrong after reading this. So he was stalking/sexually harassing the girl in velvet from SC and she is the county administrator... This velvet wearing young woman is the county administrator/boss? I'm being nice. And sure that went over well with many. Not. I shouldn't say girl, she is dressed like shek came from an era I won't name. Perhaps it is no not a current picture but are you kidding me!

Yeah I'm sure he wants her to NO END. Stalks, harasses, etc.

Who knows wth to believe here. Again it seems like one side going against another and trying to maintain power or new ones uproot them and have to decide which side they are on.

I'm sorry to be shallow but her green velvet dress to start with and her look makes it doubtful to me she was sexually harassed or stalked for the purpose one would think. And forgive me for this shallowness but I can see her as a type that would like to believe that.

I mean I'm sorry but....

This was quite a find Tresir.

I could share so many things about our county. Through decades that many a one of us know or have heard but of course nothing ever happens nor is it proven and it gets swept undert the rug and once in a blue moon it hit the local newspaper but you could almost see the powers that be shut ti down and not another word.. BUT we KNOW. Some like from my mom's generation can hear it and buy it for a moment or even see an initial thing in the paper before it disappears and gets swept under and then they go back to the rose colored glasses. Not me. Seen too much.

In THIS case and THIS AREA, the only thing I have to say is MY GOD. I have so much I could say about a couple who may be what this woman really is (that could go either way or it could be Hill's son) and what I've seen In our own county with the younger set who gets in and pretty quickly have some power when the male idiots drunk with power and stupidity fall to it. Through decades. I should tell ya all about some of the older ones and the big county board "OLD" man who died screwing his gf and I am pretty sure it was before Viagra and his wife was left to publicly deal with all the embarassment. And the female DA and male cop who both married all knew were doing the other. And then there's a male judge or two in the past who....

Anyhow, it is kind of like the Read case, I have absolutely no problem seeing the LIES and corruption and infighting and both sides but believing they frame for murder is another thing. Saving themselves, yes. Not being found out for their selfish sh*t yes.

I think we have dirty all over here. And I'm sorry but I am shallow and judgting the green velvet dress. Or faux velvet. Not up on it thse days but Im pretty sure it is long past and not trendy.

SHE is or was the county ADMIN?

 

[Tresir]

She is the Deputy County Admin and liaison between Colleton County and Colleton County Court, apparently . I think she is married to Judge Utsey, not the daughter. I think I got that bit wrong.

Judge Arthur Cecil Utsey, IV | Trellis

Who is Arthur Cecil Utsey, IV? Read a full bio along with recent rulings and grant rates for a variety of motions.

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Judge Arthur Cecil Utsey, IV
Ceth Utsey was born in 1988 in Charleston, South Carolina. He was raised in Walterboro, South Carolina, and he is the son of Bud and Phyllis Utsey.

Ceth graduated from Colleton Preparatory Academy in 2007, and he received a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science in 2011 from the University of South Carolina. He moved back home to Walterboro, SC, and he began working at the Fourteenth Circuit Solicitor’s Office as an administrative assistant from 2011 to 2012.

After one year of working as an administrative assistant, he decided to attend the Charleston School of Law. He graduated with a JD in 2015, and he was appointed to serve as an Assistant Solicitor for the Fourteenth Judicial Circuit, where he eventually became the Administrative Solicitor for Colleton County. He is a member of the Colleton County Bar Association and the South Carolina Bar.

Judge Utsey was appointed by Governor Henry McMaster to fill the unexpired term of Probate Judge Ashley Amundson in June of 2022. He is married to Meagan Utsey, and they have three dogs. He enjoys hunting and spending time on his family farm. He is a loyal Gamecock… as tough as it is sometimes.

 

[Tresir]

And Judge Utsey will stand in until Becky is replaced.

 

[Tresir]

You are talking her son's wiretapping right? How could he wiretap the defense calls? Refresh me but he's doing this using and in the courthouse system isn't he? Why would Murdaugh lawyers be talking to anyone on the board, in a court office, etc. about details of their client or the case? I'm not following.

I think since he's Hill's son there's a good chance what he was doing was in cahoots with or to help her or even to help justice along (the wrong way) and bring down people they wanted brought down like Alex for one at least, if not more in the system. It is POSSIBLE he had his own reasons or the two were up to more than that. Blackmail? A bigger more scandalous book dreamed of in the future of the taking down of people around it all or in the system? This book may have been just the first of the thoughts in Becky's silly old blonde head of how big of an author and known she was going to become.

Who knows. Some of these cases are like wow as to how much corruption on all sides and the people in power in the area and more. It just never stops and the twists keep coming. Funny that Becky probably wanted good twists for her book/s(?) but the twists that come, many of them are ON HER. Or HER SON. Here's another possible thing and that's that with the Murdaugh power they really wanted to ensure Alex go down because he IS GUILTY but knew the fixes he could put in and were trying to ensure all went right (totally not okay) but the fact she had her stinking little fantasy book on top of it just makes it all look even worse than that. And even that would not be okay but I can believe there are people that can still be influenced because Alex could rat them out whether a county judge, or whoever. I'm giving Becky and son the best chance here on true intent and that's even doubtful. There ARE politics going on though and infighting and one trying to take another down versus another trying to.

Here's another thought. Were Becky and son the only ones aware of this or in on it? Assuming Becky knew what son was doing and was part of it that is or they were in cahoots so to speak. Was it just them trying to get dirt on certain people most likely or were others in this courthouse part of it as well. It is CRAZY how politics are over present at the local county level these days and they are all in daily close proximity to each other. And that's just politics without their own purposes. But this county and area has been corrupt it seems on a county and bigger level for decades if not a century.

Just like Alex, an attorney and whose family was thick long term area power, and had others involved, did Becky Hill and her son have others involved or even behind anything...In an attempt to make sure the old school Murdaugh type power is ousted.... Or for their own reasons?

It could be as simple though as just her fantasies and her son helping her obtain them. Seems a bit far fetched in some ways but just the fact she'd do this book thing during this trial or before start on such shows a certain level of belief in how she can sn*w people and pull such off and of sheer stupidity because of ego. Bad, bad choice, whether "legal" or not.

If you think on it, it's all pretty quiet from the number of people who work in this courthouse and naturally so. You can bet it is a little Peyton place there though in the halls, at the coffee pot, on lunch hour and buzzing after work between those who are friends. The Clerk's office staff were standing behind her on her resignation, seemingly in support, which means nothing and could have been agreed to even.

You don't see people like Creighton Waters saying a word or going near it but the DA's office deals with the Clerk and Clerk's office every single day in one way or another. I'm sure he doesn't want near it with a ten foot pole but I am just saying everyone in that little courthouse knows and they know who was trying to do what to who and why and what was really going on and if it is more than we know...

And with that I've gone too long and deeper than intended. I just don't let myself forget just HOW DIRTY and entrenched in dirt in power this area was and had been for a long, long time. Just the fact Alex and the known cronies (many unknown I'm sure) pulled off as much as what we did know and got away with it for so long says enough.

The person he was recording was the liaison between Colleton County and Colleton County Court so presumably court business was the subject he was listening to and relaying to his mother.